thanks for the heads-up, David.
You can count on a devil’ish brew handed your way if ever within arm’s reach.

~m

Riders Get Chance to Earn A Spot on The Nature Valley Cycling Team and Compete in The 2008 Nature Valley Grand Prix

MINNEAPOLIS – April 3, 2008 – A newly announced program, the Nature Valley Pro Ride, will give amateur riders across North America the chance to earn their way onto the Nature Valley Cycling Team to compete in the Nature Valley Grand Prix, the top race on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. The Nature Valley Grand Prix, which begins June 11 in St. Paul, Minn., is the only race among the USA Grand Tours to admit amateurs and serves as an amateur’s chance to have a full professional racing experience.

Three regional qualifiers have been selected from among the top amateur events across the United States:

Each qualifying race will select two men and two women who will travel to Minnesota to race as part of the Nature Valley Cycling Team at the Nature Valley Grand Prix on June 11 – 15. Each rider will receive a travel stipend, free entry, housing accommodations, and full team support. They will make public appearances, get pre-race introductions, participate in autograph sessions, and race in front of crowds in excess of 50,000 during this five-day stage race that is part of the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival. This program provides riders with a full professional experience and is only available to the Nature Valley Pro Ride winners.

At the Nature Valley Grand Prix, Category 1 men and Category 2 women will be pursuing the coveted Nature Valley Top Amateur jersey. This special competition recognizes the accomplishments of “everyday athletes” as they compete against many of the best cyclists in the country, including international riders, and Olympic and World Champions. This is also a unique opportunity for amateurs to showcase their talents in front of the professional team managers. Since the program was started in 2004, every Top Amateur winner at the Nature Valley Grand Prix has received a pro team contract the following season.

About the Nature Valley Grand Prix
The Nature Valley Grand Prix, part of the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival, began as a one-day criterium in Saint Paul in 1999. Its schedule and prestige have grown steadily until now, in its 10th year, it is ranked at the top of the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. The 2008 Nature Valley Grand Prix schedule includes a unique mix of three criteriums (short circuit races), two road races and a time trial as the stages of the race move from downtown Saint Paul, to Cannon Falls, to downtown Minneapolis, to Mankato, and, finally culminates in Stillwater. For more information visit: www.NatureValleyGrandPrix.com

About the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival
The Great River Energy Bicycle Festival is one of the nation’s top celebrations of the bicycle culture, with tens of thousands of cycling enthusiasts, pro athletes and avid recreational riders converging on Minnesota each year for nine days in June. In addition to the Nature Valley Grand Prix, the Festival will include velodrome racing, the Hoigaard’s Tour de Kids fun races, stunt riders, live music and great food. The Great River Energy Bicycle Festival is a volunteer-run event, with all proceeds donated to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, the Festival’s benefiting charity. Visit www.MinnBikeFestival.com

About Nature Valley
Nature Valley, the brand that created the granola bar category in 1975, brings variety to healthy, active consumers looking for wholesome and great-tasting snacks. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Nature Valley is part of General Mills, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products.

About Great River Energy
Great River Energy is a non-profit electric cooperative providing wholesale electric energy and related services to 28 distribution cooperatives serving nearly 1.5 million people in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Headquartered in Maple Grove, Minn., Great River Energy is the second largest utility in Minnesota and the fifth largest utility of its type in the country.

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Comments

3 Responses to live for the bike

This race is the most kick ass stage race. The biggest crowds for the downtown crits! Well organized and with one of the best race directors ever! David LaPorte does so much for womens racing! There is also a great track race the weekend before NVGP. Our very own Pocket Rocket will be in attendance

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